Important Instructions: LFCS
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The exams are delivered online and consist of performance-based tasks (problems) to be solved on the command line running Linux.
The exams consist of 17-20 performance-based tasks.
For the LFCS Exam, a score of 67% or above must be earned to pass.
The exams are expected to take 2 hours to complete.
The exams are proctored remotely via streaming audio, video, and screen sharing feeds.
Candidates should run the to verify that their machine meets the technical requirements for taking a proctored exam.
The online proctored exam is taken on PSI proctoring platform "Bridge", using the PSI Secure Browser (a web browser created to guarantee a secure exam delivery over a virtual connection).
Candidates must provide their own computer with:
Supported OS: Please review the , published by PSI, in particular the supported Operating System Information.
All browsers are supported, however PSI highly recommends using the latest version of Google Chrome for the best exam scheduling experience, and because the secure browser is Chrome-based and will give a more accurate experience.
One active monitor (either built in or external) (NOTE: Dual Monitors are NOT supported) The Linux Foundation recommends a screen size of 15” or higher to support the ExamUI. The Linux Foundation recommends a screen resolution of 1080p.
Reliable internet access
Ensure others on the same internet connection are not performing activities that use excessive bandwidth (i.e. holding conference calls, streaming content, gaming, etc.)
A wired connection is often more stable and robust than a wireless connection
Turn off bandwidth-intensive services (e.g. file sync, dropbox, BitTorrent)
Microphone
Mac users may need to allow the PSI Secure Browser within their 'System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy' settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring.
Please check to make sure it is working before you start your exam session.
Webcam
Ensure the webcam is capable of being moved as you will have to pan your surroundings to check for potential violations of exam policy.
Mac users may need to allow the PSI Secure Browser within their 'System Preferences: Security & Privacy: Privacy' settings for Microphone, Camera, Automation and Input Monitoring.
If you will be testing from an employer-provide ISP or will use an employer provided machine, please ensure that streaming will be allowed using WebRTC.
To ensure a smooth exam experience, we recommend using personal devices without stringent security features, and on which you have the privileges needed to install applications and to end system process' and services.
We strongly advise test takers to avoid using work-provided devices for their exams, as this practice can result in technical challenges. Although it is sometimes possible to initiate and access the exam on such devices, work devices often come with security features and work-related applications that can disrupt the exam software, causing technical complications.
Candidates are not allowed to have other applications or browser windows running except the one on which the Exam is being shown.
Below are the expectations for an acceptable testing location:
Clutter-free work area
No objects such as paper, writing implements, electronic devices, or other objects on top of surface.
No objects such as paper, trash bins, or other objects below the testing surface.
Clear walls
No paper/print outs hanging on walls.
Paintings and other wall décor is acceptable.
Candidates will be asked to remove non-décor items prior to the exam being released.
Lighting
Space must be well lit so that proctor is able to see candidate’s face, hands, and surrounding work area.
No bright lights or windows behind the examinee.
Other
Candidate must remain within the camera frame during the examination.
Space must be private where there is no excessive noise. Public spaces such as coffee shops, stores, open office environments, etc. are not allowed.
Candidates need to provide identification (ID) that meets the requirements outlined below:
All IDs must be a valid (unexpired) Government-issued original, physical document (not photocopied or electronic)
IDs must include the candidate's name, photo, and signature*
*Government-issued biometric IDs that do not contain signature will be accepted
Acceptable forms of ID:
International travel passport
Government-issued driver’s license/permit
Government-Issued local language ID (with photo and signature)
National identity card State or province-issued identity card
Alien registration card (green card or permanent resident/visa)
住民基本台帳 (Basic Resident Register with photo) or マイナンバーカード(My Number Card)
Minors, between the age of 16-18, are permitted to take an online proctored exam with PSI, provided they complete the following requirements:
At check in, the minor candidate must present a valid student ID as a form of identification
During the PSI check-in process, the candidate's guardian must also present a valid ID and must provide verbal consent during the PSI check-in process.
Exams may be administered to citizens of a sanctioned country listed below PROVIDED the citizens are tested OUTSIDE the sanctioned country and their exam registration and current ID show an address OUTSIDE the sanctioned country.
Cuba
Iran
Syria
North Korea
Crimea Region of Ukraine
The following tools and resources are allowed during the Exam as long as they are used by Candidate to work independently on exam tasks (i.e. not used for 3rd party assistance or research) and are accessed from within the Linux server terminal on which the Exam is delivered (resources that cannot be accessed from within the terminal are not allowed):
Man pages
Documents installed by the distribution (i.e. /usr/share and its subdirectories)
Packages that are part of the distribution (may also be installed by Candidate if not available by default) If you decide to install packages (not required to complete tasks) to your exam environment, you will want to be familiar with standard package managers (apt, dpkg, dnf, and yum)
You must complete each task in this exam on a designated host. An infobox at the start of each task provides you with the host name.
You will be directed to ssh into appropriate containers and remote nodes, where needed, at the start of each question.
If no ssh instruction is provided, you must answer the question on the base node (hostname: node-1).
When you have finished working on a node other than node-1 , you must ensure that you return to node-1 when you have completed the item.
Nested ssh is not supported.
~/.ssh/config is configured appropriately for both the root and student users to ssh to all nodes as root, and you can also find entries in /etc/hosts for all containers/remote nodes that may be required during your exam for your reference.
You must not reboot the base node: node-1. Rebooting the base node will not restart your exam environment.
You are free to reboot any node other than node-1 at any time.
You may obtain root privileges at any time using the following command: sudo -i
You should not manipulate the firewall on the base node (hostname: node-1 ).
Root privileges can be obtained by running 'sudo −i'.
Do not stop or tamper with the certerminal process as this will END YOUR EXAM SESSION.
Do not block incoming ports 8080/tcp, 4505/tcp and 4506/tcp. This includes firewall rules that are found within the distribution's default firewall configuration files as well as interactive firewall commands.
Use Ctrl+Alt+W instead of Ctrl+W. Ctrl+W is a keyboard shortcut that will close the current tab in Google Chrome.
The Terminal (Terminal Emulator Application) is a Linux Terminal, to copy & paste within the Linux Terminal you need to use LINUX keyboard shortcuts: Copy = Ctrl+Shift+C Paste = Ctrl+Shift+V (Or use the right-click context menu and select Copy or Paste)
In other applications on the Remote Desktop (which is on a Linux Desktop), you'll want to use: Copy = Ctrl+C
Paste = Ctrl+V
For security reasons, the INSERT key is prohibited within the Remote Desktop. Candidates can Type i to switch into insert mode so that you can start editing the file. Once you're done, press the escape key Esc to get out of insert mode and back to command mode.
Some keys on international keyboards may not work as expected on the remote desktop. An on-screen virtual keyboard is provided for any special characters that may be needed. To access the on-screen keyboard, double-click the "Virtual Keyboard" icon on the desktop.
Installation of services and applications included in this exam may require modification of system security policies to successfully complete.
Please review the to ensure your machine will meet the requirements of our online proctor.
Please see the for additional information covering policies, procedures and rules during the exam.
The first and last name on the ID must exactly match entered on your exam checklist
A Parent/Guardian must complete the form, and submit it to , at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled date of the exam
Please see the for additional information covering policies, procedures and rules during the exam.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) can be found .
If you need additional help, please login with your LF Account to and use the search bar to find an answer to your question, or select your request type from the categories provided.